"Thank you," she said, slightly tilting her chin, forcing a smile at the corners of her lips.

Van gave a deep, low chuckle. "Good. I just happen to need a woman to help me fake a forced marriage. We know each other well, and with Terry as a guarantor, you're the perfect candidate."

"You're testing me?" Winnie froze for a moment. "That's no different from being a mistress."

"I won't touch you," Van lowered his gaze, his demeanor distant, as if he looked down on her. "You ...